This is a really obtuse mystery film. I worried through the whole thing that Charles Laughton was going to pass out. The color is terrible (although I found it in a collection and didn't expect much). The story involves a plot to murder a woman, a frame-up, and a whole cast of characters who become involved in it. The murderer is pretty much known but Maigret (Laughton) must follow the whims of Franchot Tone as he plays with his mind. Laughton is patient and plays the game. Burgess Meredith, with blazing red hair, is the first living person victimized by the murderer and spends most of his time running away. His myopia is recreated in a "Twilight Zone" episode later, "Time Enough at Last." Where does everyone fit in? Are there really any good guys? I don't know. I do know it seemed like an eternity before the final dramatic scene (which is also a bit disappointing). It's interesting that the city of Paris is listed in the credits as one of the cast. Unfortunately, the color is so bad that this cast member really gets the short end of the stick.
Review of The Man on the Eiffel Tower
